The idea of a mental health assessment can be intimidating, especially if you’re not sure what it involves or why it’s needed. In reality, these assessments are simply conversations designed to help understand how you’re feeling and what kind of support might be most helpful for you.
Mental health assessments can take place in different settings. You might have one with your GP, through NHS talking therapy services, or with a mental health professional such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or mental health nurse. The purpose is not to judge you or “test” you, but to build a picture of your experiences, symptoms, and circumstances.
During an assessment, you’ll usually be asked about how you’ve been feeling emotionally and mentally, how long you’ve been experiencing difficulties, and how they’re affecting your day-to-day life. This might include questions about your mood, sleep, energy levels, anxiety, or ability to cope with work, relationships, or daily tasks. You may also be asked about your physical health, as mental and physical wellbeing are closely linked.
Some assessments include questions about your background, such as major life events, sources of stress, or any previous experiences with mental health support. You might also be asked about your support network and what has or hasn’t helped you in the past. While this can feel personal, you’re always allowed to take your time and share only what you feel comfortable discussing.
Based on this conversation, the professional carrying out the assessment will talk with you about next steps. This could involve self-help strategies, referral to NHS talking therapies, specialist support, or discussing whether medication might help. Nothing should be decided without your involvement. The process should feel collaborative and centred around your needs.
If you’re feeling nervous about an assessment, it can help to remember that there are no right or wrong answers. You don’t need to have everything figured out or explain everything perfectly. A mental health assessment is a starting point in your care. It’s a way for you to be heard, understood, and guided toward the right support.
January is often framed as a fresh start. A time for new habits and positive changes. But for many people it can feel emotionally heavy. If you fin...
For many people, talking about feelings doesn’t come naturally. You might have grown up in an environment where emotions weren’t openly discussed,...
Christmas is often portrayed as a joyful, social time filled with family gatherings and celebrations. Social media, adverts, and conversations can...
.png)
Reaching out to your GP about your mental health is an important step toward getting support. If you’re unsure what the appointment will involve, u...
Many people expect therapy to feel natural straight away, like opening up to someone who instantly understands you. But the reality is that, for a...
Starting therapy can feel daunting, especially if you’ve never spoken to a therapist before. You might be unsure what to expect, how the process wo...
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and it’s completely normal to feel a mix of nerves, curiosity, and uncertainty before your first session...
Everyone struggles from time to time, whether it’s stress at work, relationship challenges, or difficult life changes. But how do you know when it...
.png)
Self-help is a term you’ll often see in discussions about mental health. But what does it actually mean, and how can it play a rol...
What’s the difference between stress and anxiety?
Stress and anxiety are two terms that are often confused...
.png)
Therapy offers a space to work through emotional or behavioural challenges with the support of a trained professional - whether that’s a clinical p...
.png)
When looking for mental health support, you might come across terms like psychologist, psychiatrist, and psychotherapist. While all work in mental...
We’re excited to share that Find Care Compare is now available in Wiltshire.
We’re thrilled to announce that Find Care Compare is now live in Dorset!
At Find Care Compare, we believe that access to clear,...
We’re very pleased to announce that Kateryna Abgaryan has joined Find Care Compare as our new Growth Associate.
Kateryna joins u...
We’re thrilled to welcome Marine Lamy as the newest member of the Find Care Compare team. Marine is joining us as a Marketing Assistant, where she’...
We're proud to announce our launch in the Isle of Wight, providing residents with a new and essential tool to find, compare, and access mental heal...
We are delighted to welcome Professor Stephen Scott CBE to Find Care Compare as an advisor. Professor Scott brings a wealth of experience in...
It’s been six months since we launched our MVP, and what a journey it’s been!
When we started, we had no idea just how far...
Since joining TikTok two weeks ago, Find Care Compare has reached over 130,000 views.
Why? Access to information.
&n...
We are excited to share that our platform is now available in Buckinghamshire.
As our mission is to help people and families eas...
We are excited to announce our official launch in West Sussex today. This expansion is part of our ongoing mission to make the process of selecting...
Navigating the healthcare system can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already facing mental health challenges. Uncertain waiting times, li...
Copyright © Find Care Compare 2026 All rights reserved | Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Disclaimer | Terms and Conditions
.png)
Like
Dislike
Share
Comments